With a rapidly ageing population on the one hand and stringent budget restrictions on the other, many local authorities may find it a daunting prospect to contemplate the shape and composition of future service delivery in the area of adult social care. Raising the eligibility criteria for service provision is, of course, an option.

But while many authorities are forced to consider this, it is not a long term sustainable option and I consider this to be far from an ideal solution. Such regressive steps can actually lead to the very problems the government is trying to avoid, such as social exclusion and political fallout, as fewer people will be able to benefit from the services they need and quite rightly expect.

Moreover, while the government has stated that the first £75,000 will need to be funded by the individual, it is still not the optimal solution – the remaining financial pressure could simply shift onto another public purse as the ability of individuals to self-care and remain independent is further eroded.

There is, however, an alternative approach that not only reflects the changing demographics and meets the ever-increasing demand for such services, but also increases the well-being and independence of individuals within the local community, and saves money. And it does so without pressurising other public purses.

Evolving new models for high quality and sustainable provision of adult social care include an exciting new generation of telecare services – one that goes beyond the traditional community alarm. This will deliver tangible service benefits for both existing and new customers and offers real hope to cash-strapped councils keen to improve outcomes and maximise service provision for their local communities.

The new telecare service solution combines the latest developments in proven assistive technologies with the flexibility and advantages of a commercial model – where risks and guaranteed savings can be shared. Significantly, it also facilitates preventative measures to help prolong independence and minimise premature social care intervention for individuals, while fuelling broader, deeper engagement and co-operation within the local care community. This helps to maintain, and sometimes extend, service provision, and can provide long-term savings.

The ability to monitor, capture and analyse data regarding the existing and projected needs of individuals, their carers and their families lies at the heart of this pioneering new approach. This requires a truly integrated end-to-end customer service programme so that data can be captured within the authority's customer contact centre and constantly updated, refined and reviewed by social care teams. From this platform, a comprehensive and progressive telecare service can become a practical reality that embraces not only those people who currently receive homecare services, but also those who are likely to need care in the future because of their health and social care profile.

With a strategic partner, to provide the capabilities and economies of scale for risks and savings to be shared, a local authority can then take full advantage of the latest assistive technologies to help its citizens – especially the older generations and more vulnerable individuals - to live independently in their own homes for longer. It is a very effective way of providing individuals with the means to call for assistance at any time of the day or night which, in turn, is a great reassurance for carers and their families.

Today there are many different types of telecare devices, covering everything from simple push button alarm systems to medication dispensers, and even sophisticated sensors that monitor behaviour patterns and the whereabouts of individuals. Such systems may already be used, in certain instances, by a local authority or other care providers. However, the adoption and co-ordination of such technologies on a much wider scale is necessary to secure the real service and financial benefits, which results in real, positive outcomes for vulnerable people.

A telecare service is a proactive solution to help individuals maintain their independence. It should not be seen as a replacement for more comprehensive care where it is required. However, a truly comprehensive telecare service should be a default offering in all care reviews and assessments, as well as within hospital discharge procedures.

For many local authorities, the logistics and investment needed to achieve this level of integration – not to mention the exposure to risk – may present an insurmountable obstacle. That's where a proven and trusted strategic partner comes in.

This is a progressive and responsible way forward for authorities faced with exponential growth in the demographic demands for care of the elderly and more vulnerable members of the community. It is not a service revolution and is not based on technology providing a quick fix. It is an evolutionary and logical development from what has gone before that takes full advantage of new technologies and working practices to provide a future proof and sustainable solution for the provision of adult social care. What's more, financial viability and service flexibility is assured as a result of the guaranteed savings derived from a telecare service that is founded on the principles of best practice, and focussed on actual (rather than assumed) need.